How Long Is “Splice”?

Canadian director Vincenzo Natali's visceral horror film is a sophisticated study of the consequences of genetic engineering, in which Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley play scientists and lovers pushing against ethical and legal boundaries in their determination to create new life. With nods to Frankenstein, Alien, Species and the body horror of early David Cronenberg, the plot sees the pair secretly splicing human DNA into a cocktail of other genetic material, with consequences that highlight the scientists' character flaws as much as the danger posed by the result of the experiment. The new life form quickly grows into the striking figure of French actress Delphine Chanéac, and the responsibility for what ensues is investigated with some finesse, thanks to an intelligent script part-written by Natali, and the calibre of his leading actors.